Chapter 17 Burning Bridges
- “Mr. Walston, your words are rather harsh. We gathered here tonight to have a good time, there's no need for such a fuss.”
- At that moment, noticing that something was amiss, Simeon hastily intervened to mediate.
- “Professor O'Dorney, this matter has nothing to do with you! Don't interfere.” Theodore had absolutely no regard for Simeon.
- Although Simeon had worked as a teacher at the school for a long time, Theodore was still the vice-chancellor.
- Regardless of status or power, Simeon simply couldn't compete!
- “Some people will never learn their place until they've been put in their place! Mr. Yowell's kind words were a gesture of respect! I, Theodore, don't need to extend the same courtesy. I have no respect for those who lack ability, yet love to put on airs! They're nothing more than a waste of space!” Theodore looked at Finneas, launching into a critique without any hesitation.
- In reality, he had taken a dislike to Finneas back in the main hall. Now, he was merely using an excuse to lash out.
- “Do you think you're all that by acting in such a way?”
- Finneas lifted his gaze, his deep-set eyes calmly observing Theodore.
- For reasons unknown, upon meeting Finneas' gaze, Theodore felt an unexpected twinge in his heart. It was as though he was being hunted by some demonic entity!
- But quickly, he managed to gather his wits!
- As the esteemed vice-chancellor of a prestigious university, was there any need to fear a nobody?
- “Am I not speaking the truth?” Theodore let out a cold, derisive laugh.
- “You being right or wrong is a separate issue! But you just yelled at my sister. I swear that upon my return, I won't allow anyone to mistreat my sister again.” Finneas rose to his feet, his face expressionless as he stared at Theodore. “Now, I'm giving you a chance to make amends. Apologize to my sister, and I might consider sparing you.”
- “Apologize to this little girl? Do you think that's possible?” Theodore had a face full of mockery.
- “So... is this your choice then?”
- There wasn't a trace of emotion on Finneas' face.
- At that moment, the atmosphere in the room had become incredibly tense.
- Some people felt a chill in their hearts, sensing a certain level of anxiety.
- What on earth was Finneas trying to do?
- Did he really intend to pick a fight with Mr. Walston?
- Meanwhile, the corners of Jayson's mouth lifted slightly.
- He knew it was his turn to step up!
- All it took was a casual remark from him, and the crisis at hand could be easily resolved!
- This not only allowed him to show off in front of everyone, but it would also make Finneas feel indebted to him.
- With these thoughts in mind, Jayson gave a light cough, rose from his seat, and walked over to Finneas. He patted Finneas' shoulder and said with a smile, “All right, alright! I'm the host today, everyone, please, let's keep the chatter to a minimum, shall we? No need for all this commotion!”
- Having said that, he turned to Theodore and said, “Mr. Walston, do me a favor, let's just let this matter go! Finneas is an old classmate of mine, so his sister is like a sister to me.”
- “Since Mr. Yowell has spoken, I naturally have to give him face.” Theodore nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders.
- His objective was to get on good terms with Jayson. Since Jayson had already spoken in such a manner, he naturally had to give him face.
- As for Finneas and Alyssa, in his eyes, they were merely insignificant figures. When he was in a good mood, he would give them a treat, and when he was not, he would suppress them a bit, all just for his amusement.
- Upon witnessing this scene, everyone in the room quietly nodded in agreement.
- Truly, Jayson's composure was extraordinary!
- Despite being previously ignored by Finneas, he continued to treat him with genuine sincerity!
- In today's society, finding such people was truly rare!
- No wonder he was recognized as one of the top ten outstanding youths in Jacaster. There was a reason his career had developed to this extent.
- “Finneas, you haven't thanked Jayson yet! If it weren't for Jayson's help today, you would have been in a real mess.” From a distance, Sabrina spoke up loudly.
- “No need, we're old classmates after all!” Jayson smiled.
- However, his gaze was fixed on Finneas. Anyone with discernment could tell he was waiting for Finneas' gratitude.
- However, at that moment, bang! Finneas sent Jayson flying.
- Turning to Theodore with an icy stare, he declared, “I'm giving you ten seconds to make your choice. If you don't apologize to my sister, I assure you, you won't see tomorrow. If you think I'm joking, feel free to gamble with your own life.”
- This sudden turn of events caused the entire room to fall into immediate silence.
- Everyone was taken aback, their mouths agape in surprise.
- Simeon's gaze became distant.
- Sabrina was completely flabbergasted!
- Jayson lay on the ground, holding his swollen, red face, his expression full of disbelief.
- How dare he hit me? How dare he?
- Jayson clenched his fists tightly, his voice cold as he said, “Finneas, what the hell are you trying to imply? I stood up for you, and you repay me with a punch?”
- Finneas blatantly ignored him, continuing to stare coldly at Theodore, beginning the countdown.
- “Three!”
- “Two”
- “I-I'm sorry!” Theodore spoke up, his voice laced with tension.
- Beads of cold sweat had already begun to form on his forehead.
- Finneas' gaze was truly unnerving, akin to those ruthless assassins from television shows, which instilled in him a profound sense of fear.
- This overwhelming fear made him shudder from head to toe, as if he would truly meet his end if he didn't apologize!
- Forget it. Finneas is a mere nobody from the lowest rungs of society, while I am the esteemed vice-chancellor of Jacaster University. There is no need for me to stoop to his level!
- Theodore comforted himself in his heart.
- Upon witnessing Theodore actually apologizing, a myriad of complex expressions washed over the faces of those present at the scene.
- However, upon further reflection, this was nothing out of the ordinary.
- Those with nothing to lose weren't afraid of those with everything at stake.
- It seemed like Finneas' mindset was truly twisted.
- It wasn't that Theodore was scared, it was just that there really was no need to confront such a person head-on.
- Given their status, they had a myriad of ways to ensure that Finneas face the consequences of his actions.
- “What's the use of apologizing to me?” Finneas spoke in a cold tone.
- “Apologies, young lady! I was rather presumptuous just now!” Theodore looked at Alyssa, managing to squeeze out a small smile on his face.
- He felt incredibly frustrated apologizing to a student, as if he had swallowed a lump of discomfort that he simply couldn't alleviate.
- “It's okay.” Alyssa's emotions were in turmoil.
- Although Theodore had apologized now, what about later?
- She could almost predict the outcome that awaited her, expulsion from school was practically a certainty!
- However, she couldn't blame her brother!
- Regardless, her brother was standing up for her!
- If even she were to criticize her brother's actions, imagine how heartbroken he would be!
- “Since you've apologized, let's consider the matter settled! I don't want this incident to lead to something like my sister dropping out of school! Do you understand?” Finneas said coldly.
- “Of course!” Theodore quickly nodded, quietly reminding himself that as an intellectual, there was no need to argue with such people.
- “I hope you can keep your word, or I swear, there won't be a place left for you to be buried!”
- Suddenly, Finneas seized a cup from the table. In front of everyone, he crushed it into dust.
- Seeing this scene, everyone's pupils dilated. Such immense strength!
- “Professor O'Dorney, I'm afraid we won't be able to have dinner tonight. When I find some time later, I'll treat you separately!”
- With an apologetic expression, Finneas turned to Simeon and said.
- Sigh!
- Simeon didn't respond, he simply let out a long sigh.
- The unyielding ones broke easily.
- Why didn't Finneas understand that principle?
- This left him feeling utterly helpless, accompanied by a wave of heartache.
- “Let's go, Lyssie!” Finneas said to his younger sister.
- “Okay!”
- Alyssa nodded, dutifully following behind her older brother.
- After some hesitation, Kelly also chose to tag along.
- But it was at this moment when someone shouted, “Hold it right there!”
- Jayson coldly blocked the path of the three individuals.
- Naturally, he couldn't just let it go like that after being slapped by Finneas in front of a crowd.
- Since Finneas was so unappreciative, then he simply had to oblige him!
- “Finneas, you slapped me and thought you could just walk away? Do you really think that's possible?” Jayson asked coldly.
- “What's the matter? One slap wasn't enough for you? Craving for more?” Finneas asked.
- Jayson's mouth twitch upon his words.
- D*mn it!
- That wasn't what he meant.
- “Get lost. For the sake of our past as classmates, I don't want to embarrass you. You'd better not overestimate yourself,” Finneas said.
- “Overestimate myself? I really can't fathom where you got the audacity to speak to me in such a manner.” Jayson, in his extreme anger, ended up laughing instead.
- He clapped his hands, and immediately, seven or eight bodyguards dressed in black rushed into the room.
- These black-clad bodyguards towered at seven feet tall, their faces set in a stern expression. Their muscles were pronounced, clearly indicating that they were no strangers to combat.
- Upon witnessing that, everyone present was taken aback.
- “I knew it. How could someone of Mr. Yowell's status not have bodyguards? So, they've been hidden in the shadows all along.”
- “Did everyone see that burly man leading the group? I've seen him on TV before. His name is Hunter. Not only is he a retired special forces soldier, but he's also ranked among the top hundred in Jussipi Eight-City MMA Championship.”
- “Wow, that's impressive! The prestige associated with the Eight-City MMA Championship is substantial, attracting many skilled fighters. If this Hunter can rank within the top hundred, I bet he could easily take on ten opponents at once!”
- “Mr. Yowell really is wealthy, hiring bodyguards of this caliber. I estimate it must cost at least six to seven hundred thousand a year.”
- Upon hearing the whispers and chatter of the crowd, a look of disdain appeared on Hunter's face.
- A bunch of naive, weak-willed scholars!
- What do they mean by facing ten opponents at once? For mere mortals like you all, it wouldn't be a problem for me to take on fifty or sixty of you!
- Of course, these were merely his inner thoughts. Naturally, he wouldn't openly express them.
- After all, in today's society, being able to fight wasn't really useful!
- Being rich was the way to go.
- Even though he was incredibly talented, he still had to work for the wealthy to provide for his family.
- “Mr. Yowell, what happened?” Hunter asked aloud.
- His large, contemptuous eyes, reminiscent of bronze furnaces, swept over the crowd. It was as if a flame was burning within his pupils.
- Those who found themselves under his gaze felt a chill run down their spine, as if they were being targeted by a human-shaped beast, making them shudder without any cold.
- Even Kelly and Alyssa were somewhat scared, hiding behind Finneas.